The new hp2 must be seen as a Honda XR600 or the likes on steroids. The concept was borne out of the rally bike prepared by HPN.
The design of the tubular frame running over the motor to mount the USD suspension, was developed for the R900RR used in the Dakar rally.
The first qeustion would be why BMW did not stick to the large fuel tanks and rally style fairings because these items would be a lot more usefull for long distance touring.
The thing though is that HPN has been building Sport and Baja models all along, check their site on www.hpn.de. These bikes were based on the R80GS and were fitted with WP USD suspension, longer swingarms, motors producing 75 hp and they were lighten to produce a machine that was made to be thrown around in really rough stuff.
It is really obvious especailly with HPN's influence in the design of the hp2 that the old Baja and Sport concepts is what gave birth to the hp2.
How much this will influence the design of the new Adventure in return is still to be seen, but looking at the response of what guys want just from this small forum and knowing that BMW keep their ears on the ground to see what cusomers are looking for, I am sure there might be big surprises in store for the future.
For the carb lover I can just say this, fuel injection is a lot more reliable than carbs. So, much less hasle and broplem free riding yes, but when they do go wrong your bike in most cases will not even run. You will need to take it to a dealer, (on a trailer) that have the appropriate diagnostic test equipment to see witch very expensive electroning part will have to be replaced as these items can not be repaired.
Even though this should almost never happen, what if you are in the middle of Ruwanda or Mozambigue when it does.
Carbs will have tell tale signs when problems start to develop, so you can see to the problem in advance, you need very simple tools to work on them and even if they are in a really bad shape your bike will still run.
So I believe the choice is very simple, if you like to do the odd breakfast run and use your bike for commuting and do not like to brake your head over anything technical, more modern fuel injected models are a good choice.
For the trip through some God forsaken desert or thirdworld country whether you like it or not you will need to become more technically involved with the maintenace of your machine.
For this purpose it makes sence to stick to older technology that will be a lot simpler.
Older bikes could mean spending more money than buying a new one though.
To fully prepare a old bike it is worthwhile to look at what HPN has to offer espacially if the concept of the hp2 is appealing but you would also like to use your machine for long distance touring.
Their Baja model can be prepared to accept both the small 19L tank as well as the 43L, and a lot of fairing options.
Keep in mind that even with 30hp less, the HPN run on a much shorter final drive ratio witch will be just as exhilirating as the hp2.
Check the BMW Motorad site, you will find video clips that will give you a hint of the capabilty of these phenomenal machines.
Motorad in South Africa have indicated that the hp2 will sell for prime plus 50%.
They have also indicated that there will be no demo models and you will not even see them on shop floors, the idee is than due to their limited no.'s, riders that whant this machine will buy them based on their reputation??.
I suppose HPN cusomers also order their products based mostly on the reputation rather than on first hand experience of their bikes.

[This message has been edited by gsworkshop (edited 07 July 2005).]